Shellharbour City Council is committed to promoting best practice by establishing clear guidelines and standards for the community in relation to keeping animals within the Shellharbour Local Government area. The principles by which the Council will regulate the number of animals kept on premises is primarily guided by the Local Government Act 1993 and Companion Animals Act 1998. Local Government Act 1993 and Companion Animals Act 1998. This is reflected in our adopted Keeping of Animals in Residential Areas Policy.
Lost Dogs
If you have found a lost dog, please call Council on (02) 4221 6111 to arrange collection.
If outside business hour and it’s an option for you, keep the animal in your care overnight, then call Council the next day.
If you are unable to keep the animal, as it is displaying aggressive behaviour, call Council (02) 4221 6111.
If you have lost a dog, please call Council on (02) 4221 6111 to see if your dog has been found and collected. Our City Regulation Team want to see pets safe and cared for, and will do their best to return your lost dog home.
- You can also visit Council's Lost Dog Registry to see if your dog has been listed.
- If possible, we also recommend checking local social media groups that share lost and found pets.
Adopt a dog
Any lost dogs within our LGA that are not claimed will be made available for adoption. If you're interested in adopting a dog, customers should visit Council's Lost Dog Registry to view all upcoming and available dogs for adoption.
All dogs looking for a new home can be adopted for a fee which includes microchipping, desexing, vaccination, health check, and registration for life. (Note: fees may vary depending on individual dog's circumstances). You can view all regulation and compliance fees and charges here.
You can register your interest to adopt an abailable dog by filling outr online Adopt a Dog form, or you can contact Council on (02) 4221 6111 and speak to one of our friendly team members.
When dog becomes available for adoption, Council will contact in order of interest received, to organise a trial with the dog at the property.
Returning a dog
The Shellharbour community report lost and found dogs directly to Council.
Customers will now call Council to see if their dog has been found and collected. They can visit the Lost Dog Registry page on Shellharbour City Council’s website to see if their dog has been listed.
How to claim your pet:
1. Pay the fees
You will need to make arrangements with Council to pay any fees before your pet can be released.
Fees can be paid at the Shellharbour Civic Centre customer service desk, alternatively you can pay over the phone on (02) 4221 6111 or complete our Animal Return form for a Shellharbour City Council Officer to organise your pets return.
If you have difficulty paying please or if you require financial hardship assistance, contact us on (02) 4221 6111.
See our Fees and Charges webpage for details.
If your pet is not already microchipped and registered you will need to pay all registration fees prior to your animals return. See the NSW Government's current registration fees.
2. Proof of Ownership
Animals can only be returned to the owner in person or an appointed agent.
You will need to provide personal identification that matches the ownership information recorded in the animal’s registration and microchip details.
If your animal is not microchipped or registered, you will need to provide a statutory declaration confirming your ownership claim before we can release your pet.
3. Returning your animal
Once you have made arrangements to pay any outstanding fees and charges, notify our Council staff on (02) 4221 6111 or complete our Animal Return form, to arrange to be reunited with your pet by Council Officers.
Deceased Animal
Council will only collect deceased animals from public land and not private property.
Report a deceased animal on Council land here.
Dog Attack
A dog attack is defined under the Companion Animals Act 1998 as follows: If a dog rushes at, attacks, bites, harasses or chases any person or animal (other than vermin), whether or not any injury is caused to the person or animal.
Please submit this form to Council as soon as possible after the attack.
Nuisance Animal
Mediation is advised in the first instance to resolve issues with a dog that makes a noise, by barking or otherwise, that commonly occurs or continues to unreasonably interfere with the peace, comfort or convenience of any person in any other premises.
If those efforts fail, this form can be lodged with Council with at least ten consecutive days recorded in the Barking Dog Diary. Council requires detailed evidence to commence an investigation.
Feral/Native Animal
If you have found a sick, injured or orphaned native animal please contact WIRES on 1300 094 737. Managing pest animals is difficult, and is not something Council does. Please visit NSW Government Local Land Services or call 1300 795 299 to report your issues. For any deceased native animals, please contact Council on 4221 6111 or complete the Deceased Animal Request.
Animal Welfare Concerns
If you suspect a dog or cat is being mistreated, visit RSPCA or call 1300 278 358 or contact your local police station.